Improving Veterans' Access to Long Term Care and Sunnybrook Veterans Centre

TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense is pleased to further honour Veterans by announcing a new partnership agreement with Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. This new agreement expands Veterans' access to Sunnybrook by including access for Canadian Veterans and Allied Veterans who are eligible for a community bed. Up to 30 long term care beds are being made available. This agreement builds on the longstanding collaboration and productive partnership that has existed between Veterans Affairs Canada and Sunnybrook Veterans Centre dating back more than 50 years.

With the new agreement now in place, on Tuesday, November 22nd the first Veteran was admitted to one of these beds.

The Minister also visited Veterans at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre yesterday, in coordination with the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Grey Cup. Veterans Affairs Canada and the CFL also have a longstanding relationship related to the Jake Gaudaur Veterans' Award. This award is given annually to a CFL player who best demonstrates the attributes of Canada's Veterans: strength, perseverance, courage, comradeship and contribution to their community.

Quotes

"Though much has changed since Veterans Affairs Canada first started providing long-term care for Veterans, the department's regulations did not always adapt to reflect this. Our new partnership with Sunnybrook and other facilities across the country allows greater flexibility and more compassion for our Veterans and their families as we continue our examination of the suite of health care policies to better reflect Veteran needs."Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defense

"At Sunnybrook, we are proud of our legacy of caring for Canada's war veterans and we are continuously striving to provide our veterans with the best possible health care and quality of life. Today's announcement is a positive step that will provide greater access for more veterans who are in need of long term care."Malcolm Moffat, Sunnybrook's Executive Vice President of Programs

Quick Facts

Sunnybrook Hospital, in partnership with the Government of Canada, has been proudly serving the needs of Veterans since 1948, providing both acute and long-term care. The hospital was transferred to the province of Ontario in 1966. The hospital stands as a symbol of the nation's gratitude to our Veterans.

In 2015-2016, Veterans Affairs Canada contributed approximately $33 million for the long term care of Veterans at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in 478 beds.